1 / 16

History and Progress of DEQ’s Mercury Programs Albert E. Hindrichs

History and Progress of DEQ’s Mercury Programs Albert E. Hindrichs. Presentation Overview. Purpose of DEQ’s mercury program with regard to water History of fish tissue sampling projects Status of Louisiana waters Other agency and NGO involvement Data availability on the Web.

kendis
Download Presentation

History and Progress of DEQ’s Mercury Programs Albert E. Hindrichs

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. History and Progress of DEQ’s Mercury Programs Albert E. Hindrichs

  2. Presentation Overview • Purpose of DEQ’s mercury program with regard to water • History of fish tissue sampling projects • Status of Louisiana waters • Other agency and NGO involvement • Data availability on the Web

  3. Purpose of LDEQ’s Mercury Program • The purpose of LDEQ’s mercury program for water is to sample biota, sediments, and water in order to determine the extent of contamination and establish health advisories when necessary. • Fish are targeted for sampling, because fish consumption is the primary route of exposure for humans and wildlife.

  4. LDEQ’s Sampling Program for Mercury in Fish • Sampling began in 1989-1990 at 5 stations on the Ouachita River • The second sampling program, concluded in June 1993, was also on the Ouachita - 4 stations were added • Largemouth bass from twelve North Louisiana lakes were sampled in fall 1993

  5. LDEQ’s Sampling Program for Mercury in Fish • Current study began in July 1994 as a joint effort between USGS and LDEQ • LDEQ continued the study in 1995 without USGS assistance • Will Tucker, with DEQ’s Acadiana Regional Office, was assigned as the full time coordinator in 1996 • The mercury sampling program currently has three full time field personnel assigned to collect fish and other data • LDEQ’s current annual budget for the mercury program is approximately $500,000

  6. LDEQ’s Sampling Program for Mercury in Fish • To date (September 2004) 498 sites on 300 water bodies have been sampled in Louisiana • Advisory areas are resampled every two years • All other sites are sampled once every 4-5 years • Approximately 100 sites are sampled every year

  7. Advisory Status for Louisiana Waters • There are currently 37 mercury related fish consumption advisories, covering 90 different water bodies, in Louisiana. • Advisories are not laws or bans. They are precautionary measures or recommendations. • All advisories vary…many are targeted only at sensitive populations (pregnant women and small children) and/or certain species of fish. LDHH uses a limited meals approach when drafting advisories. • Choupique (bowfin) and largemouth bass typically have the highest concentrations of mercury and, therefore, the most advisories.

  8. Other Agency Involvement • DEQ, in conjunction with Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (DWF) manage the Mercury Contaminant Study • DEQ is the lead agency, responsible for sampling, data management, yearly reports, and grant funds for research • DHH is responsible for assessment of data in terms of health risks and the initiation of advisories. • DWF is responsible for some off-shore sampling in the Gulf and jointly issues advisories with DEQ and DHH.

  9. NGO Involvement • DEQ has worked with several NGOs regarding the scope of the problem, drafting of public reports, and possible sources • Audubon Society • LEAN • Sierra Club • Atchafalaya Basin Foundation

  10. Continuing or Expanded DEQ Initiatives • Fish Tissue Monitoring • sediments, water, plants • Air Deposition Study • Air Permitting • Water Permitting • Recycling • Remediation

  11. Data Availability on the DEQ Public Website • DEQ’s public Website: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/surveillance/ mercury/index.htm • Annual Mercury Reports • Summary of issues on mercury in fish • Advisories • Site locations and site specific data • Raw data updated weekly • Frequently asked questions

  12. Conclusions • Louisiana currently has 37 fish consumption advisories covering 90 different water bodies. • LDEQ is currently sampling approximately 100 new and old sites per year. • LDEQ, LDHH and LDWF continue to work together on testing and establishing advisories.

  13. For more information regarding mercury in Louisiana water and fish please contact: Albert E. Hindrichs al.hindrichs@la.gov (225) 219-3590

More Related